The Republican journal., 1887-12-29
Local Review for the Year 1887.

The year now closing has been one of great
prosperity to Belfast. The boom which was
noticeable at the close of last season continued
throughout the past year, and as result more
work has been done than for a decade prece,l-
Ing. More new buildings have been erected
and general improvements made than for
many years past. In the matter of enterprise
and advancement Belfast has taken long
stride forward. and when the improvements
now projected shall have been completed.
our city will be abreast of her sister cities in
the state. Nature has done much for Belfast
now our citizens are determined to do their
part. Ia matter. Of finance the outlook is
| most encouraging. For the first time in many
years there has been an increase in the city's
valuation. For q long time there has been Il
gradual loss in valuation. particularly i'll per-
sonal propcrt,. which placed the burden of
taxation npon real estate. Last year the bot
tom WA, reached. the tile turned, and in the
year lSS1, the assessors found small increase,
which VIII be further augmented in the year
lNss The rate of taxation was fixed at S11.50
OH 81 900. which is as low ~ any city in
Maine, TaNos will he no higher in future
unless the city enters upon extended improve
ment~. or falls into the hands of the enemies Of
progress and prosperity The increase of
valuation viii keep down the rate OF taxation
Another great point gained is the settlement
Of the
RAILROAD QUESTION,
which has caused more local disturbance than
p,,, tl,o,. 10. l.f,
9Th. The decision of the Supreme Court was
received. deciding the question i'll favor Of the
preferred stockholders. and as a consequence
the city Of Belfast i, now receiving annually
six pcr cent. on her preferred stock and nearly
three per cent. annually on her non-preferrcd
stock, amounting in all to about $4,000 per
annum. This applied TO The city's assets re-
luce> the burden Of taxation and gives Il
stimulus to enterprise. Oar city is also to re-
cciye annually from the State about $4,000 as
lis share OF the railroad tax. What is better
than all the settlement of this railroad matter
will obviate the necessity of the renewal of the
tight in municipal matters which has prevailed
in the last TWO spring elections.
ylIE ELECTION LAsI SPRING
was more bitter, il possible. than the election
of Albert {. Burgess. as Mayor, over Chas.
Baker. hv the close vote of 649 to 645. The
Tax Reduccr> carried four of the five wards.
thus giving them control of the city govern
mcnt. The policy that has given our city this
increased prosperity is the policy of the Tax
Reducer party. 1t is a source of qualification
to know that the bitter feelings engendcred by
these controversies have in Il measure subsidized
and that a better state Of feeling exists among
the rank and file of both parties. Whatever
the issues may he in future spring elections
they can hardly exceed in bitterness the con-
tests now happily behind lis. One of the most
marked Improvements Of the year was the
supply OF an abundance Of
WATER FOR FIRE AND DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
The contract for a system OF water works
awarded last fall to Parks & Wheeler of Bos-
ton. has been carried out, and barring atci-
dents, would row have hcem fully completed.
However. on the appointed day, Dee. /, the
works were in condition to turn over to the
city government. IA iron >tandpipc has been
erected on Wilson Hill. ten miles of water
pipe laid TWO dams built and extensive pump
ing machinery erected at Little River, at an
outlay ot about 5.000. For fifty hytrants for
fire purposes and for the Use of water for other
purposes thc city pays an annual rental of ST.
500. The railroad tax to be received in future
will more 'nan pay this rental. The introduc-
ton OF water VIII not only lower the rates of
Insurance. which have been excessive. but
viii te 4 stimulus TO local enterprise. The
Introduction 4 water into other places has
been followed by an increase of local bu>i
ness. and there j. reason 10 believe a like result
VIII follow in Belfast. The completion of the
wafer works has eInSed complete rcorganlz-
ali1n Of the fire department. Both engine
cumiani1> li;lye d>banded. the steam fire eli
Sine, Which had been hired. returned. and one
fire engine ordered sold. In the place of the
oid lire department we now have two hose
companies which viii operate the hydrant> in
ease of fire In point of efficiency oar fire dc
larlment j. equal 10 that Of any city in Maine.
TIE INdrant> are so numerous and so near to-
geiheF that dozen streams of water capable
oi @eing i1 feet perpendicularly, can he con-
centratcd upon any given point
NEW BUILDINGS.
More new buildings have been erected thi,
season tlan had been built in Il decade before
ihe following list includes the buildings,
slandpipc- and general work OF the Belfast
" alter V OrkS Cululauy.